In 2012, the Volt outsold the LEAF handily (23,461 versus 9819). In 2013, Volt held a slim lead (23,094 versus 22,610). But this year, Volt is backsliding while LEAF is still gaining: (8615 versus 12736).

Is it simply that the Volt has real competitors in its space while LEAF does not (Tesla Model S excluded)? PiP seems to be eating Volt's lunch now and the Ford Energi product sales are ramping up nicely. Is PiP winning because of the very high gas mileage and high electricity prices in CA? Prii have more utility than the Volt? No offense, but I don't quite understand the appeal of the Ford products. Default plug-ins for Ford lovers?

I do expect LEAF sales to continue to ramp up assuming 2015 battery holds up well and a refresh is coming in the next year or two.

It just seems like Volt sales are waning and I am wondering what's behind it all. And what will it take for GM to recover some momentum in the plug-in arena?

Edit: Adding a plot of LEAF sales as a percentage of Chevy Volt sales (updated through April 2016):

Last edited by RegGuheert on Fri May 06, 2016 8:12 am, edited 3 times in total.

It's not because of the recalls, if the recalls were a factor June sales would not have been a seven year high for GM. Ultimately it is price, everything sells (even the Yugo) for the right price. If the Volt was only $4,000 more than the Cruze after tax credits the demand would go way up.

SteveInSeattle wrote:It's not because of the recalls, if the recalls were a factor June sales would not have been a seven year high for GM. Ultimately it is price, everything sells (even the Yugo) for the right price. If the Volt was only $4,000 more than the Cruze after tax credits the demand would go way up.

I was just saying what everyone sees that looks at daily news. People obviously still buy junk cars or GM wouldn't be in business.